Input Device Sensor Configuration

ABSTRACT

Input device configurations are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate. The flexible contact layer is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device. The flexible contact layer includes a force concentrator pad that is configured to cause pressure to be channeled through the force concentrator pad to cause the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate to initiate the input.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/974,749, filed Aug. 23, 2013 and titled“Input Device with Interchangeable Surface,” which claims priority as acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/655,065,filed Oct. 18, 2012, and titled “Media Processing Input Device,” whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/659,364,filed Jun. 13, 2012, and titled “Music Blade,” the disclosures of eachof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Mobile computing devices have been developed to increase thefunctionality that is made available to users in a mobile setting. Forexample, a user may interact with a mobile phone, tablet computer, orother mobile computing device to check email, surf the web, composetexts, interact with applications, and so on. Because mobile computingdevices are configured to be mobile, however, the mobile devices may beill suited for intensive data entry operations.

For example, some mobile computing devices provide a virtual keyboardthat is accessible using touchscreen functionality of the device.However, it may difficult to perform some tasks using a virtual keyboardsuch as inputting a significant amount of text, composing a document,and so forth. Moreover, virtual keyboards consume some screen realestate that may otherwise be used to display content. Thus, use oftraditional virtual keyboards may be frustrating when confronted withsome input scenarios.

SUMMARY

Input device configurations are described. In one or moreimplementations, an input device includes a sensor substrate having oneor more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from thesensor substrate. The flexible contact layer is configured to flex tocontact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device.The flexible contact layer includes a force concentrator pad that isconfigured to cause pressure to be channeled through the forceconcentrator pad to cause the flexible contact layer to contact thesensor substrate to initiate the input.

In one or more implementations, an input device includes a plurality ofindications that are selectable to initiate corresponding inputs andpressure sensitive sensor nodes formed in an array such that each of theindications corresponds to a plurality of the pressure-sensitive keys toinitiate the corresponding inputs. The formation of the plurality ofpressure sensitive sensor nodes includes a sensor substrate having oneor more conductors and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from thesensor substrate that is configured to flex to contact the sensorsubstrate to initiate the corresponding input of a computing device.

In one or more implementations, an input device includes a sensorsubstrate having one or more conductors, a flexible contact layer spacedapart from the sensor substrate that is configured to flex to contactthe sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device. Theflexible contact layer includes a surface having a force sensitive inkconfigured to contact the one or more conductors of the sensor substrateto initiate the input and a plurality of spacers formed on the surface.

In one or more implementations, an input device includes a capacitivesensor assembly arranged in an array that is configured to detect alocation of an object that is proximal to a respective capacitive sensorof the capacitive sensor assembly and a pressure sensitive sensorassembly including a plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes thatare configured to detect an amount of pressure applied by the objectagainst a respective pressure sensitive sensor node of the pressuresensitive sensor assembly.

In one or more implementations, an object is detected that is locatedproximal to one or more capacitive sensors of an input device. The inputdevice is configured to communicate one or more inputs to a computingdevice. Responsive to the detection, functionality of the input devicethat is not related to the capacitive sensors is caused to be placed inan operational state.

In one or more implementations, an input device includes a capacitivesensor array configured to detect proximity of an object and a pluralityof pressure sensitive sensor nodes embedded as nodes in the capacitivesensor array. The plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes areconfigured to initiate corresponding inputs of a computing device, eachof the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes formed from flexiblecontact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different instances in thedescription and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an environment in an example implementationthat is operable to employ the sensor configuration techniques describedherein.

FIG. 2 depicts an example implementation of an input device of FIG. 1 asshowing a flexible hinge in greater detail.

FIG. 3 depicts an example implementation showing a perspective view of aconnection portion of FIG. 2 that includes mechanical couplingprotrusions and a plurality of communication contacts.

FIG. 4 depicts an example implementation showing a cross section of theinput device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 depicts an example implementation of a backlight mechanism ofFIG. 1 as including a light guide of FIG. 4 and a light source.

FIG. 6 depicts an example implementation in which a layer of the sensorassembly is shown in a cross section, the layer configured to supportimplementation of pressure sensitive sensor nodes.

FIG. 7 depicts an example implementation in which a flexible contactlayer of FIG. 6 is shown in cross section as combined with a sensorsubstrate to form a pressure sensitive sensor node assembly.

FIG. 8 depicts an example implementation of a pressure sensitive sensornode of FIGS. 6 and 7 as employing a force concentrator pad.

FIG. 9 an example of the pressure sensitive sensor node of FIG. 8 ashaving pressure applied at a plurality of different locations of theflexible contact layer to cause contact with the sensor substrate.

FIG. 10 depicts an example implementation in which a pressure sensitivesensor nodes are arranged in an array that is configured to supportgesture detection and use for a plurality of different inputconfigurations.

FIG. 11 depicts an implementation showing examples of indications ofinputs of the outer layer of FIG. 4 as corresponding to a plurality ofunderlying pressure sensitive sensor nodes of an array of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 depicts an example implementation of the input as including apressure sensitive sensor assembly and a capacitive sensor assembly.

FIG. 13 depicts an example implementation in which pressure sensitivesensor nodes of a pressure sensitive sensor assembly are interspersedwith capacitive sensors of a capacitive sensor assembly.

FIG. 14 depicts an example implementation in which the capacitive sensorassembly is configured as a layer and disposed proximal to a layer of apressure sensitive sensor assembly.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example system generally at that includes anexample computing device that is representative of one or more computingsystems and/or devices that may implement the various techniquesdescribed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Mobile computing devices may be utilized in a wide variety of differentscenarios due to their mobile construction, e.g., configured to be heldby one or more hands of a user. As previously described, however,conventional techniques that were utilized to interact with these mobilecomputing devices could be limited when restricted solely to a virtualkeyboard. Although supplemental input devices have been developed (e.g.,an external keyboard), these devices could be unwieldy and difficult tointeract with in mobile scenarios, including limitations in inputs thatare recognized by the input device, difficulty in transporting thedevices, and so forth.

Input device configurations are described. In one or moreimplementations, an input device is configured to include a generallyuniform array of pressure sensitive sensor nodes. The pressure sensitivesensor nodes may have a size and pitch that is sufficient to recognizegestures, e.g., made by a finger of a user's hand, a stylus, and so on,by detecting an input as involving motion across a plurality of thekeys. Additionally, the array may also be configured such thatcollections of the pressure sensitive sensor nodes are mapped toparticular inputs (e.g., keys of a keyboard) to also function as akeyboard, track pad, and so on. The input device may be configured in avariety of ways to implement pressure sensitive sensor nodes having thisfunctionality. The input device may also be configured to promote arelative thin form factor for the input device overall, e.g., less thanthree millimeters. This may be performed through use of forceconcentrator pads, integrated spacers, and so on. In this way, the inputdevice may be configured to support a variety of different types ofinput functionality and may do so in a manner that maintains mobility ofthe mobile computing device to which it may be attached.

Additionally, the input device may also be configured to incorporate acapacitive sensor assembly. For instance, the capacitive sensor assemblymay be configured to detect proximity of an object, and when sodetected, wake other functionality of the input device (e.g.,backlighting, operation of the pressure sensitive sensor nodes, and soon) and/or a computing device communicatively coupled to the inputdevice. The capacitive sensor assembly may also operate in conjunctionwith the pressure sensitive sensor nodes to expose inputs having anincreased richness to a computing device. The capacitive sensorassembly, for instance, may be employed to provide a location of anobject and the pressure sensitive sensor nodes may be utilized toindicate an amount of pressure (i.e., a “z” indication). These inputsmay be leveraged by the computing device to recognize gestures, gaminginputs, and so on and thus may provide increased input functionality toa user. A variety of other examples are also contemplated, furtherdiscussion of which may be found in relation to the following sections.

In the following discussion, an example environment is first describedthat may employ the input device configuration techniques describedherein. Examples of layers that are usable in the example environment(i.e., the input device) are then described which may be performed inthe example environment as well as other environments. Consequently, useof the example layers is not limited to the example environment and theexample environment is not limited to use of the example layers.

Example Environment

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an environment 100 in an exampleimplementation that is operable to employ the techniques describedherein. The illustrated environment 100 includes an example of acomputing device 102 that is physically and communicatively coupled toan input device 104 via a flexible hinge 106. The computing device 102may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the computingdevice 102 may be configured for mobile use, such as a mobile phone, atablet computer as illustrated, and so on that is configured to be heldby one or more hands of a user. Thus, the computing device 102 may rangefrom full resource devices with substantial memory and processorresources to a low-resource device with limited memory and/or processingresources. The computing device 102 may also relate to software thatcauses the computing device 102 to perform one or more operations.

The computing device 102, for instance, is illustrated as including aninput/output module 108. The input/output module 108 is representativeof functionality relating to processing of inputs and rendering outputsof the computing device 102. A variety of different inputs may beprocessed by the input/output module 108, such as inputs relating tofunctions that correspond to keys of the input device 104, keys of avirtual keyboard displayed by the display device 110 to identifygestures and cause operations to be performed that correspond to thegestures that may be recognized through the input device 104 and/ortouchscreen functionality of the display device 110, and so forth. Thus,the input/output module 108 may support a variety of different inputtechniques by recognizing and leveraging a division between types ofinputs including key presses, gestures, and so on.

In the illustrated example, the input device 104 is configured as havingan input portion that includes a keyboard having a QWERTY arrangement ofkeys and track pad although other arrangements of keys are alsocontemplated. Further, other non-conventional configurations are alsocontemplated, such as a game controller, configuration to mimic amusical instrument, and so forth. Thus, the input device 104 and keysincorporated by the input device 104 may assume a variety of differentconfigurations to support a variety of different functionality.

As previously described, the input device 104 is physically andcommunicatively coupled to the computing device 102 in this examplethrough use of a flexible hinge 106. The flexible hinge 106 is flexiblein that rotational movement supported by the hinge is achieved throughflexing (e.g., bending) of the material forming the hinge as opposed tomechanical rotation as supported by a pin, although that embodiment isalso contemplated. Further, this flexible rotation may be configured tosupport movement in one or more directions (e.g., vertically in thefigure) yet restrict movement in other directions, such as lateralmovement of the input device 104 in relation to the computing device102. This may be used to support consistent alignment of the inputdevice 104 in relation to the computing device 102, such as to alignsensors used to change power states, application states, and so on.

The flexible hinge 106, for instance, may be formed using one or morelayers of fabric and include conductors formed as flexible traces tocommunicatively couple the input device 104 to the computing device 102and vice versa. This communication, for instance, may be used tocommunicate a result of a key press to the computing device 102, receivepower from the computing device, perform authentication, providesupplemental power to the computing device 102, and so on.

FIG. 2 depicts an example implementation 200 of the input device 104 ofFIG. 1 as showing the flexible hinge 106 in greater detail. In thisexample, a connection portion 202 of the input device is shown that isconfigured to provide a communicative and physical connection betweenthe input device 104 and the computing device 102. The connectionportion 202 as illustrated has a height and cross section configured tobe received in a channel in the housing of the computing device 102,although this arrangement may also be reversed without departing fromthe spirit and scope thereof.

The connection portion 202 is flexibly connected to a portion of theinput device 104 that includes the keys through use of the flexiblehinge 106. Thus, when the connection portion 202 is physically connectedto the computing device 102 the combination of the connection portion202 and the flexible hinge 106 supports movement of the input device 104in relation to the computing device 102 that is similar to a hinge of abook.

Through this rotational movement, a variety of different orientations ofthe input device 104 in relation to the computing device 102 may besupported. For example, rotational movement may be supported by theflexible hinge 106 such that the input device 104 may be placed againstthe display device 110 of the computing device 102 and thereby act as acover. Thus, the input device 104 may act to protect the display device110 of the computing device 102 from harm.

The connection portion 202 may be secured to the computing device in avariety of ways, an example of which is illustrated as includingmagnetic coupling devices 204, 206 (e.g., flux fountains), mechanicalcoupling protrusions 208, 210, and a plurality of communication contacts212. The magnetic coupling devices 204, 206 are configured tomagnetically couple to complementary magnetic coupling devices of thecomputing device 102 through use of one or more magnets. In this way,the input device 104 may be physically secured to the computing device102 through use of magnetic attraction.

The connection portion 202 also includes mechanical coupling protrusions208, 210 to form a mechanical physical connection between the inputdevice 104 and the computing device 102. The mechanical couplingprotrusions 208, 210 are shown in greater detail in relation to FIG. 3,which is discussed below.

FIG. 3 depicts an example implementation 300 showing a perspective viewof the connection portion 202 of FIG. 2 that includes the mechanicalcoupling protrusions 208, 210 and the plurality of communicationcontacts 212. As illustrated, the mechanical coupling protrusions 208,210 are configured to extend away from a surface of the connectionportion 202, which in this case is perpendicular although other anglesare also contemplated.

The mechanical coupling protrusions 208, 210 are configured to bereceived within complimentary cavities within the channel of thecomputing device 102. When so received, the mechanical couplingprotrusions 208, 210 promote a mechanical binding between the deviceswhen forces are applied that are not aligned with an axis that isdefined as correspond to the height of the protrusions and the depth ofthe cavity.

The connection portion 202 is also illustrated as including a pluralityof communication contacts 212. The plurality of communication contacts212 is configured to contact corresponding communication contacts of thecomputing device 102 to form a communicative coupling between thedevices as shown. The connection portion 202 may be configured in avariety of other ways, including use of a rotational hinge, mechanicalsecuring device, and so on. In the following, an example of a dockingapparatus 112 is described and shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 4 depicts an example implementation 400 showing a cross section ofinput device 104 of FIG. 1. The outer layer 402 is configured to supplyan outer surface of the input device 104 with which a user may touch andinteract. The outer layer 402 may be formed in a variety of ways, suchas from a fabric material, e.g., a backlight compatible polyurethanewith a heat emboss for key formation, use of a laser to form indicationsof inputs, and so on.

Beneath the outer layer is a smoothing layer 404. The smoothing layer404 may be configured to support a variety of different functionality.This may include use as a support to reduce wrinkling of the outer layer402, such as through formation as a thin plastic sheet, e.g.,approximately 0.125 millimeters of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), towhich the outer layer 402 is secured through use of an adhesive. Thesmoothing layer 404 may also be configured to including maskingfunctionality to reduce and even eliminate unwanted light transmission,e.g., “bleeding” of light through the smoothing layer 404 and through afabric outer layer 402. The smoothing layer also provides a continuoussurface under the outer layer, such that it hides any discontinuities ortransitions between the inner layers.

A light guide 406 is also illustrated, which may be included as part ofa backlight mechanism to support backlighting of indications (e.g.,legends) of inputs of the input device 104. This may includeillumination of keys of a keyboard, game controls, gesture indications,and so on. The light guide 406 may be formed in a variety of ways, suchas from a 250 micron thick sheet of a plastic, e.g., a clearpolycarbonate material with etched texturing. Additional discussion ofthe light guide 406 may be found beginning in relation to FIG. 5.

A sensor assembly 408 is also depicted. Thus, as illustrated the lightguide 406 and the smoothing layer 404 are disposed between the outerlayer 402 and the sensor assembly 408. The sensor assembly 408 isconfigured detect proximity of an object to initiate an input. Thedetected input may then be communicated to the computing device 102(e.g., via the connection portion 202) to initiate one or moreoperations of the computing device 102. The sensor assembly 408 may beconfigured in a variety of ways to detect proximity of inputs, such as acapacitive sensor array, a plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes(e.g., membrane switches using a force sensitive ink), mechanicalswitches, a combination thereof, and so on.

A structure assembly 410 is also illustrated. The structure assembly 410may be configured in a variety of ways, such as a trace board and backerthat are configured to provide rigidity to the input device 104, e.g.,resistance to bending and flexing. A backing layer 412 is alsoillustrated as providing a rear surface to the input device 104. Thebacking layer 412, for instance, may be formed from a fabric similar toan outer layer 402 that omits one or more sub-layers of the outer layer402, e.g., a 0.38 millimeter thick fabric made of wet and dry layers ofpolyurethane. Although examples of layers have been described, it shouldbe readily apparent that a variety of other implementations are alsocontemplated, including removal of one or more of the layers, additionof other layers (e.g., a dedicated force concentrator layer, mechanicalswitch layer), and so forth. Thus, the following discussion of examplesof layers is not limited to incorporation of those layer in this exampleimplementation 400 and vice versa.

FIG. 5 depicts an example implementation 500 of a backlight mechanism asincluding a light guide 406 of FIG. 4 and a light source. As previouslydescribed, the light guide 406 may be configured in a variety of ways tosupport transmission of light that is to act as a backlight for theinput device 102. For example, the light guide 406 may be configuredfrom a clear plastic or other material that supports transmission oflight from a light source 502, which may be implemented using one ormore light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light guide 406 is positioned toreceive the emitted light from the light source 502 through a side ofthe light guide 406 and emit the light through one or more other sidesand/or surface regions of the light guide 406.

The light guide 406, for instance, may be configured to output light atspecific locations through use of etching, embossing, contact by anothermaterial having a different refractive index (e.g., an adhesive disposedon the plastic of the light guide 406), and so on. In another example,the light guide 406 may be configured as a universal light guide suchthat a majority (and even entirety) of a surface of the light guide 406may be configured output light, e.g., through etching of a majority of asurface 504 of the light guide 406. Thus, instead of speciallyconfiguring the light guide 406 in this example, the same light guidemaybe used to output different indications of inputs, which may be usedto support different languages, arrangements of inputs, and so on by theinput device 104.

As previously described, however, this could cause bleeding of lightthrough adjacent surfaces to the light guide in conventional techniques,such as through an outer layer 402 of fabric to give a “galaxy” effect,pinholes, and so on. Accordingly, one or more of these adjacent layersmay be configured to reduce and even prevent transmission of light inundesirable locations. For example, the outer layer may includesub-layers having progressively darker shades of a color to enable useof a light surface color yet restrict transmission of light through thefabric, a mask of ink may be printed (e.g., to the smoothing layer 404)to absorb light at particular locations (e.g., near the light source),and so on. A variety of other examples are also contemplated.

FIG. 6 depicts an example implementation 600 in which a layer of thesensor assembly 408 is shown in a cross section, the layer configured tosupport implementation of pressure sensitive sensor nodes. A flexiblecontact layer 602 (e.g., Mylar) of a pressure sensitive sensor node isillustrated in this example that is configured to flex to initiatecontact and thus an input. In this example, the flexible contact layer402 does not performed this contact absent application of pressureagainst the flexible contact layer 602 as further described in relationto FIG. 7.

The flexible contact layer 602 in this example includes a forcesensitive ink 604 disposed on a surface of the flexible contact layer602. The force sensitive ink 604 is configured such that an amount ofresistance of the ink varies directly in relation to an amount ofpressure applied. The force sensitive ink 604, for instance, may beconfigured with a relatively rough surface that is compressed againstanother surface (e.g., a conductor as shown in FIG. 7) upon anapplication of pressure against the flexible contact layer 602. Thegreater the amount of pressure, the more the force sensitive ink 604 iscompressed, thereby increasing conductivity and decreasing resistance ofthe force sensitive ink 604. Other conductors may also be disposed onthe flexible contact layer 604 without departing form the spirit andscope therefore, including other types of pressure sensitive andnon-pressure sensitive conductors.

The flexible contact layer 602 is also illustrated as including spacers606 formed on the same surface of the flexible contact layer 602 as theforce sensitive ink 604. The spacers 606 define openings through whichthe flexible contact layer 602 is to flex to initiate inputs. Thespacers 606 may be configured in a variety of ways, such as through useof a dielectric spacer material having a height of approximately 6.5 um.The flexible contact layer 602 is also illustrated as including asecuring mechanism 608 (e.g., 25 um of adhesive) to secure the flexiblecontact layer 602 to an adjacent layer of the pressure sensitive sensornode assembly.

Force contractor pads 610 are also illustrated as disposed on anopposing side of the flexible contact layer 602 in relation to the sideof flexible contact layer 602 that includes the force sensitive ink 604.The force concentrator pads 610 are illustrated as secured to and/or apart of the flexible contact layer 602, such as formed from a materialto have a height of approximately 50 um. The force concentrator padshave a cross section along an axis of the flexible contact layer 602that approximates a cross section of the force sensitive ink 604disposed on an opposing side of the flexible contact layer 602. Theforce concentrator pads 610 may be configured to channel pressureapplied to the input device 104 to promote consistent contact of theforce sensitive ink 606, further discussion of which may be foundbeginning in relation to the discussion of FIG. 8.

FIG. 7 depicts an example implementation 700 in which the flexiblecontact layer 602 of FIG. 6 is shown in cross section as combined with asensor substrate 702 to form a pressure sensitive sensor node assembly.The sensor substrate 702 may be configured in a variety of ways, such asa printed circuit board (PCB) having conductors 704 disposed thereon.

The conductors 704 are configured to be contacted by the force sensitiveink 604 of the flexible contact layer 602. When contacted, an analogsignal may be generated for processing by the input device 104 and/orthe computing device 102, e.g., to recognize whether the signal islikely intended by a user to provide an input for the computing device102. A variety of different types of conductors 704 may be disposed onthe sensor substrate 702, such as formed from a variety of conductivematerials (e.g., silver, copper), disposed in a variety of differentconfigurations as further described in relation to FIG. 10, and so on.

The sensor substrate 702 is also illustrated as including spacers 706.The spacers 706 are disposed on the same surface as the conductors 704on the sensor substrate 702 in an area between the conductors. Thespacers 706 of the sensor substrate 702 and the spacers 606 of theflexible contact layer 602 may be positioned to form a spacer assemblyas shown in the figure, e.g., having a total height of 41 um. Thisheight may thus cause the force sensitive ink 604 of the flexiblecontact layer 602 to be spaced apart from the conductors 604 of thesensor substrate 702.

Application of a pressure against the flexible contact layer 602 maycause the flexible contact layer 602 to flex through an opening formedby the spacer assembly to contact the conductors 704 of the sensorsubstrate 702. As previously described, the amount of pressure may becommunicated through different resistances of the force sensitive ink604 to provide an output that indicates an amount of pressure that wasapplied, e.g., with twelve bits of resolution as further describedbelow.

The securing mechanism 608 (e.g., the adhesive described in relation toFIG. 6) may be used to secure the flexible contact layer 602 to thesensor substrate 702. This may be performed directly to a surface of thesensor substrate 702, include use of a solder mask 708 having a heightapproximating the force sensitive ink 604 to increase a height of a gapbetween the ink and the conductors 704, and so on.

The flexible contact layer 602 is also illustrated as secured to thelight guide 406 through use of the previously described adhesives 612.As this may cause light to bleed from the light guide 406, the flexiblecontact layer 602 may be configured to promote reflectance of this light(e.g., by being colored white). Additionally, to reduce an amount oflight bleed “upward” through the smoothing layer 404 and outer surface402 of FIG. 4, a lesser surface area of adhesive 710 may be used tosecure the smoothing layer 404 to the light guide 406 than is used tosecure the light guide 406 to the flexible contact layer 602. Othertechniques may also be utilized to reduce this light bleed, such as toinclude a mask 712 printed as a black ink to portions of the smoothinglayer 404 that are secured to the light guide 406, e.g., that haveadhesive disposed thereon.

FIG. 8 depicts an example implementation 800 of a pressure sensitivesensor node of FIGS. 6 and 7 as employing a force concentrator pad 610.In this example, the flexible contact layer 602 is spaced apart from thesensor substrate 702 through use of a space assembly 802, which mayemploy the spacers 606, 706 of FIGS. 6 and 7. The force concentrator pad610 may be implemented in a variety of ways, such as part of theflexible contact layer 602 as illustrated, as a stand-alone layer, aspart of a smoothing layer 404, and so on.

As previously described, the flexible contact layer 602 may beconfigured from a variety of materials, such as a flexible material(e.g., Mylar) that is capable of flexing to contact a sensor substrate702. The flexible contact layer 602 in this instance includes a forceconcentrator pad 610 disposed thereon that is raised from a surface ofthe flexible contact layer 602. Thus, the force concentrator pad 610 isconfigured as a protrusion to contact another layer of the input device104, such as the light guide 406, smoothing layer 404, outer surface402, and so on. The force concentrator pad 610 may be formed in avariety of ways, such as formation as a layer (e.g., printing,deposition, forming, etc.) on a substrate of the flexible contact layer602 (e.g., Mylar), as an integral part of the substrate itself, and soon.

FIG. 9 an example 900 of the pressure sensitive sensor node 800 of FIG.8 as having pressure applied at a plurality of different locations ofthe flexible contact layer 602 to cause contact with the sensorsubstrate 702. The pressure is illustrated through use of arrows, whichin this instance include first, second, and third locations 902, 904,906 which are positioned at distances that are respectively closer to anedge of the sensor, e.g., an edge defined by the spacer assemblies 802.

As illustrated, the force concentrator pad 610 is sized so as to permitthe flexible contact layer 602 to flex between the spacer assemblies802. The force concentrator pad 610 is configured to provide increasedmechanical stiffness and thus improved resistance to localized bendingand flexing around a single sensor, e.g., as in comparison with asubstrate (e.g., Mylar) of the flexible contact layer 602 alone.Therefore, when the force concentrator pad 610 receives pressures (e.g.,is “pressed”), the flexible contact layer 602 has a decreased bendradius than would otherwise be the case.

Thus, the bending of a substrate of the flexible contact layer 602around the force concentrator pad 610 may promote a relativelyconsistent contact area between the force sensitive ink 604 and theconductors 704 of the sensor substrate 702. This may promotenormalization of a signal produced by the key, e.g., to address “offcenter” contact.

The force concentrator pad 610 may also act to spread a contact area ofa source of the pressure. The flexible contact layer 602, for instance,may receive a pressure caused by a fingernail, a tip of a stylus, pen,or other object that has a relatively small contact area. This couldresult in correspondingly small contact area of the flexible contactlayer 602 that contacts the sensor substrate 702, and thus acorresponding decrease in signal strength.

However, due to the mechanical stiffness of the force concentrator pad610, this pressure may be spread across an area of the forceconcentrator pad 610, which is then spread across an area of theflexible contact layer 602 that correspondingly bends around the spacerassemblies 802 to contact the sensor substrate 702. In this way, theforce concentrator pad 610 may be used to distribute and normalize acontact area between the flexible contact layer 602 and the sensorsubstrate 702 that is used to generate a signal by the pressuresensitive sensor node.

The force concentrator pad 610 may also act to channel pressure, even ifthis pressure is applied “off center.” For example, the flexibility ofthe flexible contact layer 602 may depend at least partially on adistance from an edge of the pressure sensitive sensor node, e.g., anedge defined by the spacer assembly 802 in this instance.

The force concentrator pad 610, however, may be used to channel pressureto the flexible contact layer 602 to promote relatively consistentcontact. For example, pressure applied at a first location 902 that ispositioned at a general center region of the flexible contact layer 602may cause contact that is similar to contact achieved when pressureapplied at a second location 904 that is positioned at an edge of theforce concentrator pad 610. Pressures applied outside of a regiondefined by the force concentrator pad 610 may also be channeled throughuse of the force concentrator pad 610, such as a third position 906 thatis located outside of the region defined by the force concentrator pad610 but within an edge of the key. A position that is located outside ofa region of the flexible contact layer 602 defined by the spacerassembly 802 may also be channeled to cause the flexible contact layer602 to contact the sensor substrate 702 as illustrated. A variety ofdifferent configurations of pressure sensitive sensor assemblies mayleverage the pressures sensitive keys previously described, an exampleof which is described as follows and shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 10 depicts an example implementation 1000 in which a pressuresensitive sensor nodes are arranged in an array (e.g., a pool) that isconfigured to support gesture detection and use for a plurality ofdifferent input configurations. In this example, a pressure sensitivesensor assembly 1002 of the input device 104 includes a plurality ofpressure sensitive sensor nodes, which are illustrated as having agenerally uniform size and spacing in a square shape, although othersizes, spacings, and arrangements are also contemplated withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof.

An enlarged example of a conductor 704 of the pressure sensitive sensorassembly 1002 is also shown. In this example, conductors 704 of thesensor substrate 702 are configured in first and second portions ofinter-digitated trace fingers. Thus, a pressure applied to the flexiblecontact layer 602 may cause the force sensitive ink 604 to contact theconductors 804 and act as a shunt to permit a flow of electricitybetween the first and second portions of inter-digitated trace fingers.Other examples are also contemplated, such as to the first portion onthe flexible contact layer 602 and the second portion on the sensorsubstrate 702 with the force sensitive ink being disposed between thelayers having the portions.

In the illustrated example, the input device 104 includes an array ofsensors spaced in a generally uniform manner, e.g., individual sensorsplaced approximately five millimeters apart on center in a gridarrangement. The sensors are illustrated as squares in the examplealthough other sizes and arrangements are also contemplated, such asstaggered generally circular sensors and so on. Further, the sensors maybe configured in a variety of ways, such as pressure sensitive sensors,include a capacitive grid as described in relation to FIG. 13, and soon.

The size and spacing of the sensors may be configured in a variety ofways. For example, a surface area of the sensor may be configured tohave a surface area of approximately 25 millimeters (e.g., a 5×5 squareor less), may be configured to have a surface area of approximately ninemillimeters (e.g., a 3×3 square), may be configured to have a surfacearea of approximately 2.25 millimeters (e.g., a 1.5×1.5 squareconfigured to detect a fingernail, stylus, and so on), have a pitch ofapproximately five millimeters or less, and so on. Additionally, avariety of different detection and sampling rates may be supported, suchas a one kilohertz sampling rate with twelve bits of resolution (e.g.,to indicate pressure) and may be responsive to twenty five grams ofpressure. In this way, the array may be configured to detect gesturesacross a sequence of the sensors, may support dynamic mapping of keypresses to corresponding indications as described in relation to FIG.11, and so on. It should be readily apparent that a wide variety ofother examples are also contemplated. Regardless of how implemented,sensors of the array may thus correspond to indications of inputs of theouter surface 402 of the input device 104, further discussion of whichis described as follows and shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 11 depicts an implementation 1100 showing examples of indications1102, 1104 of inputs of the outer layer 402 of FIG. 4 as correspondingto a plurality of underlying pressure sensitive sensor nodes of an arrayof FIG. 10. The first indication 402 is taken from the outer layer 402and shows the letter “A” of a QWERTY keyboard that, once selected (e.g.,pressed) is to cause a corresponding input to be provided by the inputdevice 104 to the computing device 102.

The indication 1102 is disposed over four sensors of the array of thepressure sensitive sensor assembly 1002 of FIG. 10, which areillustrated in phantom. Accordingly, a mapping may be employed such thatan output from any, all, or a combination thereof of these sensors isrecognized by the computing device 102 as the indicated input, e.g., akey press of the letter “A.”

Likewise, indication 1104 is taken from a game controller is of an inputfor a rocker control, such as to provide inputs to control direction ofan object in a game. The indication 1104 is also disposed over aplurality of sensors (e.g., the pressure sensitive sensor nodes of thearray of FIG. 10), which are also illustrated in phantom. Accordingly, amapping may be employed such that an output from any, all, or acombination thereof of these sensors is recognized by the computingdevice 102 as the indicated input, e.g., different directions dependenton which part of the rocker control receives contact.

Additionally, techniques may be employed to detect a centroid of acontact to determine a likely intent of a contact received by a user.For the indication 1104 of the rocker control, for instance, a centroidof a user's finger may be detected to determine a likely direction. Thistechnique may also be employed to determine which of a plurality ofindications likely correspond to an input, such as when a user contactsa border between multiple indications the centroid may be used todetermine which indication and corresponding sensor is likely intendedas an input by a user. Capacitive sensors may also be incorporated toaid this detection as further described beginning in relation to FIG.13. Although a generally uniform array of sensors was described, otherarrangements may also be employed that are not uniform, e.g., to followa configuration of a QWERTY keyboard and map other functionality such asa game controller over this configuration.

FIG. 12 depicts an example implementation 1200 of the input device 104as including a pressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202 and a capacitivesensor assembly 1204. The pressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202 may beconfigured in a variety of ways, such as an array as described inrelation to FIG. 10, one to one correspondence between indications ofkeys of FIG. 1 and underlying sensors, and so on. In the illustratedexample, the pressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202 is illustrated inphantom as disposed underneath indications of keys of a keyboard of FIG.1.

The input device 104 also includes capacitive sensor assemblies 1204which are illustrated as disposed beneath palm rests of the input device104 although other configurations as also contemplated as furtherdescribed below. The capacitive sensor assemblies 1204 are configured todetect proximity of an object, such as a finger of a user's hand 1206 asillustrated, a stylus, or other object. This detection may be leveragedto support a wide variety of different functionality. For example, thecapacitive sensor assemblies 1204 may remain operational (e.g., awake)while other functionality of the input device 104 (e.g., the pressuresensitive sensor node assembly 1202, backlighting, and so on), computingdevice 102, and so on are in a non-operational state, e.g., a sleepstate, hibernation state, “off,” and so on. This may be performed toreduce power consumption by these devices.

Responsive to detection of an object (e.g., the finger of the user'shand 1206), the input device 104 may cause this other functionality ofthe input device 104 and/or computing device 102 to “wake.” For example,this may cause examination of an output of a camera of the computingdevice 102 and/or input device 104 to determine whether to turn thebacklighting of the input device 104 “on” based on an amount of lightdetected in the surroundings of the device, place the pressure sensitivesensor assembly 1202 in an operational state to detect pressure, and soon. In this way, the capacitive sensor assembly 1204 may be utilized toconserve power consumed by the input device 104 and/or the computingdevice 102 as well as increase responsiveness of these devices, e.g., bywaking before contact is even received by the pressure sensitive sensornode assembly. Additionally, this may be utilized to protect againstinadvertent presses of the keys of the input device 104, such as incombination with detection of a location of the input device 104 inrelation to the computing device 102, e.g., positioned at a rear of thecomputing device 102 through use of a Hall Effect sensor,accelerometers, magnetometers, and so forth.

The capacitive sensor assembly 1204 may be configured in a variety ofways to perform this object detection. For example, the capacitivesensor assembly 1204 may be configured in a portion of the input device104 that is separate and non-overlapping from a portion including thepressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202 as shown in FIG. 12. In thisexample, the capacitive sensor assembly 1204 may be configured to detectpresence of an object but not a specific location of the object beyondthe presence of the object in a sensing range of capacitive sensors ofthe capacitive sensor assembly 1204. The capacitive sensor assembly 1204may also be configured to be interspersed between the pressure sensitivesensor nodes of the pressure sensitive sensor node assembly, an exampleof which is described in relation to FIG. 13. In yet another example,the capacitive sensor assembly 1204 may be formed as a layer that isdisposed proximal to a layer of the pressure sensitive sensor nodeassembly, an example of which is described in relation to FIG. 14.

FIG. 13 depicts an example implementation 1300 in which pressuresensitive sensor nodes of a pressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202 areinterspersed with capacitive sensors of a capacitive sensor assembly1204. In this example, the conductors 704 of the pressure sensitivesensor nodes are formed on the sensor substrate 702 as inter-digitatedtrace fingers as described above. Capacitive trace lines of thecapacitive sensor assembly 1204 are also illustrated.

Thus, in this example the pressure sensitive sensor nodes (e.g., sensornodes) are embedded into a capacitive sensor array to support bothcapacitive location and pressure input to be reported by the inputdevice 104. Accuracy and linearity of the capacitive sensor assembly1204 may support a high degree of positional accuracy at virtuallynon-contact use inputs to support gesturing, mousing movements, and soon.

Additionally, integration of the pressure sensitive sensor nodes of thepressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202 supports pressure readings ateach discrete location of capacitive touch events detected by thecapacitive sensor assembly 1204. This may also be utilized to support athin form factor of the input device 104 as a whole that is configuredto detect position and pressure at multiple, discrete user inputs. Inone or more implementations, conductors of the capacitive sensors andthe conductors 704 of the pressure sensitive sensor nodes may beincorporated at the same layer of the input device 104, e.g., the sensorsubstrate 702 of FIG. 7. Other examples are also contemplated, one suchexample is described as follows and shown in a corresponding figure.

FIG. 14 depicts an example implementation 1400 in which the capacitivesensor assembly 1204 is configured as a layer and disposed proximal to alayer of a pressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202. In this example, thelayers are disposed adjacent to each other and are incorporated as partof a track pad, although other configurations are also contemplated. Forinstance, the capacitive sensor assembly 1204 may be leveraged to detectlocation as before whereas the pressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202may be utilized to detect pressure, e.g., a “z” axis input in additionto the “x” and “y” location inputs of the capacitive sensor assembly1204. In another example, this may be utilized to implement a pluralityof keys as part of the track pad that are usable to initiate differentinputs in addition to the mousing input supported by the track pad. Avariety of other examples are also contemplated without departing fromthe spirit and scope thereof.

Example System and Device

FIG. 15 illustrates an example system generally at 1500 that includes anexample computing device 1502 that is representative of one or morecomputing systems and/or devices that may implement the varioustechniques described herein. The computing device 1502 may be, forexample, be configured to assume a mobile configuration through use of ahousing formed and size to be grasped and carried by one or more handsof a user, illustrated examples of which include a mobile phone, mobilegame and music device, and tablet computer although other examples arealso contemplated. The input device 1514 may also be configured toincorporate a pressure sensitive sensor assembly 1202 and a capacitivesensor assembly 1204 as previously described.

The example computing device 1502 as illustrated includes a processingsystem 1504, one or more computer-readable media 1506, and one or moreI/O interface 1508 that are communicatively coupled, one to another.Although not shown, the computing device 1502 may further include asystem bus or other data and command transfer system that couples thevarious components, one to another. A system bus can include any one orcombination of different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and/or a processoror local bus that utilizes any of a variety of bus architectures. Avariety of other examples are also contemplated, such as control anddata lines.

The processing system 1504 is representative of functionality to performone or more operations using hardware. Accordingly, the processingsystem 1504 is illustrated as including hardware element 1510 that maybe configured as processors, functional blocks, and so forth. This mayinclude implementation in hardware as an application specific integratedcircuit or other logic device formed using one or more semiconductors.The hardware elements 1510 are not limited by the materials from whichthey are formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein. Forexample, processors may be comprised of semiconductor(s) and/ortransistors (e.g., electronic integrated circuits (ICs)). In such acontext, processor-executable instructions may beelectronically-executable instructions.

The computer-readable storage media 1506 is illustrated as includingmemory/storage 1512. The memory/storage 1512 represents memory/storagecapacity associated with one or more computer-readable media. Thememory/storage component 1512 may include volatile media (such as randomaccess memory (RAM)) and/or nonvolatile media (such as read only memory(ROM), Flash memory, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so forth). Thememory/storage component 1512 may include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, afixed hard drive, and so on) as well as removable media (e.g., Flashmemory, a removable hard drive, an optical disc, and so forth). Thecomputer-readable media 1506 may be configured in a variety of otherways as further described below.

Input/output interface(s) 1508 are representative of functionality toallow a user to enter commands and information to computing device 1502,and also allow information to be presented to the user and/or othercomponents or devices using various input/output devices. Examples ofinput devices include a keyboard, a cursor control device (e.g., amouse), a microphone, a scanner, touch functionality (e.g., capacitiveor other sensors that are configured to detect physical touch), a camera(e.g., which may employ visible or non-visible wavelengths such asinfrared frequencies to recognize movement as gestures that do notinvolve touch), and so forth. Examples of output devices include adisplay device (e.g., a monitor or projector), speakers, a printer, anetwork card, tactile-response device, and so forth. Thus, the computingdevice 1502 may be configured in a variety of ways to support userinteraction.

The computing device 1502 is further illustrated as beingcommunicatively and physically coupled to an input device 1514 that isphysically and communicatively removable from the computing device 1502.In this way, a variety of different input devices may be coupled to thecomputing device 1502 having a wide variety of configurations to supporta wide variety of functionality. In this example, the input device 1514includes one or more keys 1516, which may be configured as pressuresensitive sensor nodes, mechanically switched keys, and so forth.

The input device 1514 is further illustrated as include one or moremodules 1518 that may be configured to support a variety offunctionality. The one or more modules 1518, for instance, may beconfigured to process analog and/or digital signals received from thekeys 1516 to determine whether a keystroke was intended, determinewhether an input is indicative of resting pressure, supportauthentication of the input device 1514 for operation with the computingdevice 1502, and so on.

Various techniques may be described herein in the general context ofsoftware, hardware elements, or program modules. Generally, such modulesinclude routines, programs, objects, elements, components, datastructures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implementparticular abstract data types. The terms “module,” “functionality,” and“component” as used herein generally represent software, firmware,hardware, or a combination thereof. The features of the techniquesdescribed herein are platform-independent, meaning that the techniquesmay be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms havinga variety of processors.

An implementation of the described modules and techniques may be storedon or transmitted across some form of computer-readable media. Thecomputer-readable media may include a variety of media that may beaccessed by the computing device 1502. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media may include “computer-readablestorage media” and “computer-readable signal media.”

“Computer-readable storage media” may refer to media and/or devices thatenable persistent and/or non-transitory storage of information incontrast to mere signal transmission, carrier waves, or signals per se.Thus, computer-readable storage media refers to non-signal bearingmedia. The computer-readable storage media includes hardware such asvolatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media and/orstorage devices implemented in a method or technology suitable forstorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, logic elements/circuits, or other data.Examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are notlimited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology,CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, harddisks, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or other storage device, tangible media, orarticle of manufacture suitable to store the desired information andwhich may be accessed by a computer.

“Computer-readable signal media” may refer to a signal-bearing mediumthat is configured to transmit instructions to the hardware of thecomputing device 1502, such as via a network. Signal media typically mayembody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier waves, datasignals, or other transport mechanism. Signal media also include anyinformation delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media include wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media.

As previously described, hardware elements 1510 and computer-readablemedia 1506 are representative of modules, programmable device logicand/or fixed device logic implemented in a hardware form that may beemployed in some embodiments to implement at least some aspects of thetechniques described herein, such as to perform one or moreinstructions. Hardware may include components of an integrated circuitor on-chip system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logicdevice (CPLD), and other implementations in silicon or other hardware.In this context, hardware may operate as a processing device thatperforms program tasks defined by instructions and/or logic embodied bythe hardware as well as a hardware utilized to store instructions forexecution, e.g., the computer-readable storage media describedpreviously.

Combinations of the foregoing may also be employed to implement varioustechniques described herein. Accordingly, software, hardware, orexecutable modules may be implemented as one or more instructions and/orlogic embodied on some form of computer-readable storage media and/or byone or more hardware elements 1510. The computing device 1502 may beconfigured to implement particular instructions and/or functionscorresponding to the software and/or hardware modules. Accordingly,implementation of a module that is executable by the computing device1502 as software may be achieved at least partially in hardware, e.g.,through use of computer-readable storage media and/or hardware elements1510 of the processing system 1504. The instructions and/or functionsmay be executable/operable by one or more articles of manufacture (forexample, one or more computing devices 1502 and/or processing systems1504) to implement techniques, modules, and examples described herein.

CONCLUSION

Although the example implementations have been described in languagespecific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to beunderstood that the implementations defined in the appended claims isnot necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described.Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms ofimplementing the claimed features.

What is claimed is:
 1. An input device comprising: a sensor substrate having one or more conductors; and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate that is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device, the flexible contact layer including a force concentrator pad that is configured to cause pressure to be channeled through the force concentrator pad to cause the flexible contact layer to contact the sensor substrate to initiate the input.
 2. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein flexible contact layer includes a force sensitive ink that is configured to initiate the input.
 3. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the pressure is applied to the force concentrator pad through an off center key strike and the force concentrator pad is configured to channel the pressure to initiate the input.
 4. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the force concentrator pad forms a raised portion in relation to a substrate of the flexible contact layer.
 5. An input device as described in claim 4, wherein an area of the surface is smaller than an area defined by a space defined between the flexible contact layer from the sensor substrate.
 6. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the force concentrator pad causes an increase in a deformation bend radius of the flexible contact layer from that of a contact that applied the pressure to the force concentrator layer.
 7. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the force concentrator pad causes an increase in a contact patch area of the flexible contact layer as contacting the sensor substrate responsive to the pressure from that of a contact that applied the pressure to the force concentrator layer.
 8. An input device as described in claim 1, wherein the sensor substrate includes a plurality of conductors formed as inter-digitated trace fingers and that, responsive to contact by a force sensitive ink of the flexible contact layer, forms the input.
 9. An input device as described in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of said force concentrator pads arranged as an array along a surface of the flexible contact layer.
 10. An input device comprising: an outer layer having a plurality of indications that are selectable to initiate corresponding inputs; and a sensor assembly including a plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes formed in an array such that each of the indications corresponds to a plurality of the pressure-sensitive sensor nodes to initiate the corresponding inputs, formation of the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes including: a sensor substrate having one or more conductors; and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate that is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate the corresponding input of a computing device.
 11. An input device as described in claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes include a force concentrator pad.
 12. An input device as described in claim 10, wherein the flexible contact layer includes a plurality of spacers formed thereon disposed between the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes.
 13. An input device as described in claim 10, wherein the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes are arranged in the array such that each of the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes has a generally uniform size and spacing.
 14. An input device as described in claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes has a surface area of less than 25 millimeters.
 15. An input device as described in claim 13, wherein the surface area is approximately nine millimeters.
 16. An input device as described in claim 13, wherein the spacing has a pitch of approximately five millimeters.
 17. An input device comprising: a sensor substrate having one or more conductors; and a flexible contact layer spaced apart from the sensor substrate that is configured to flex to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input of a computing device, the flexible contact layer including a surface having: a force sensitive ink configured to contact the one or more conductors of the sensor substrate to initiate the input; and a plurality of spacers formed on the surface.
 18. An input device as described in claim 17, wherein the plurality of spacers are used to space apart the flexible contact layer from the sensor such that the flexible contact layer does not contact the sensor substrate absent an applied pressure.
 19. An input device as described in claim 17, wherein the sensor substrate and the flexible contact layer are configured to form a plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes arranged in an array.
 20. An input device as described in claim 17, wherein the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes are arranged in the array such that each of the plurality of pressure sensitive sensor nodes has a generally uniform size and spacing. 